Description
These Best Ever Fruitcake Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional fruitcake, packed with candied fruit, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix-Ins:
- 2 cups mixed candied fruit (cherries, pineapple, citron)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Stir in the candied fruit, chopped nuts, and raisins.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool and serve: Let cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies keep well and taste even better the next day.
- You can soak the fruit and raisins in rum or orange juice overnight for added richness.
- For a festive touch, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
